A flexor tendon is a tendon which serves to bend a body part. In our hands particularly, flexor tendons permit us to bend our fingers. They are located on the palm-side bend of the fingers, as the tendons on top of the hand used to straighten our fingers are called “extensor tendons.”
When a person experiences a deep cut to the palm side of their hand or fingers, it may result in a flexor tendon injury. Cuts or tears to flexor tendons make bending your fingers very difficult or impossible.
Sometimes flexor tendon injuries can occur without a cut. This is common in sports – a finger may get caught and pulled, resulting in the tendon being pulled off the bone. Long-term and strenuous use of the fingers in activities such as rock climbing can also eventually tear flexor tendons, and certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can weaken flexor tendons.
The signs of a flexor tendon injury include but are not limited to:
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A very deep cut on the palm side of your hand or finger(s)
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Difficulty bending your finger(s)
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Being completely unable to bend your finger(s)
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Numbness in your fingers or fingertips
If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, a proper diagnosis is necessary. There are many variations of tendon injuries in the hand, and some can be corrected by immobilizing the hand for several weeks, whereas other tendon injuries can only be corrected with surgery. Post-operative controlled mobilization (through hand therapy) has been a major contributor to improved results.
At Midwest Hand Therapy, our staff is exceedingly accomplished and trained in the evaluation and treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. We are educated on the latest techniques and methods of hand, wrist, finger and elbow rehabilitation and therapy, and take extreme care to provide the individual guidance and personal touch needed to aid patients in full recovery.
To contact our team or to learn more, click here.
